Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Exercise Physiologist?
What qualifications does my Exercise Physiologist have?
Do you conduct home visits?
What will I need to bring/wear to my appointment?
Can I claim Private Health Rebates?
Who should see an Exercise Physiologist?
What conditions can an Exercise Physiologist help with?
What’s the difference between a Personal Trainer and Exercise Physiologist
What are the benefits of seeing an Exercise Physiologist versus a Personal Trainer?
What is the difference between a Nutritionist and Dietitian?
How can I access your services? Do I need a referral or can I be seen privately?
What happens once I use all my Medicare (EPC) sessions up? Do I have to wait until I get another referral?

Do you have a question you would like to ask us? If so, please contact us via our email info@merendi.com.au and we will respond to you personally and if you permit post your question on this page.

What is an Exercise Physiologist?

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) defines the clinical exercise physiologist as someone who:

"...works in the application of exercise and physical activity for those clinical and pathological situations where it has shown to provide therapeutic or functional benefit."

The term 'Exercise Physiologist' is not as easy to define as Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist or Chiropractor.

If you use an Exercise & Sport Science Australia (ESSA) Accredited Exercise Physiologist you are guaranteed that you are using the most qualified exercise professionals. ESSA (formerly AAESS) is the Exercise Physiologist’s Professional Body and they use strict criteria to ensure all their members have a combination of a university Human Movement Science Degree and extensive practical experience before they can become accredited.

ESSA Accredited Exercise Physiologists have advanced skills to assess clients, to develop and monitor a safe and effective exercise or rehabilitation program, regardless of the client’s medical history or present fitness levels. All of our Exercise Physiologists are ESSA accredited and are actively involved in continuing professional education.

An Exercise Physiologist has the ability to match the immediate aspirations and needs of the client with appropriate exercise interventions, and developing strategies which promote and assist in interventions being undertaken regularly for a prolonged period of time. Interventions will rarely only involve physical activity and as a consequence the Exercise Physiologist does not practice in isolation but will collaborate with other recognised health practitioners.

An Exercise Physiologist is ideally suited to providing professional services in the area of exercise as a treatment strategy in physical rehabilitation, as a preventative strategy for disease prevention, and work hardening as part of establishing and sustaining functional independence.

What qualifications does my Exercise Physiologist have?

All our Exercise Physiologist have completed a 4 year Bachelor of Human Movement Science or Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement Science). They are also Accredited Exercise Physiologists with Exercise & Sport Science Australia (ESSA).

Do you conduct home visits?

Yes we can come to your home if your Treating GP has specifically requested this on your referral. There is a fee for conducting 'home visits', which is dependant on location and equipment needs – please contact us for further information.

If you are DVA Gold or White card holder and have difficulty travelling your GP can request a 'home visit' on your referral - there is no extra charge to you.

What will I need to bring/wear to my appointment?

Xx-rays, scans, MRIs or any medical reports that are relevant to the condition you are being treated for.
Current referral from the GP, Specialist or other Allied Health Practitioner bring that too.
Medicare card or DVA Gold Card and/or Private Health Insurance card to allow you to claim rebates. (if eligible).
Wear clothing that you feel comfortable in! Preferably shorts, loose long pants and shirt.
Supportive shoes are a great idea and you don’t have to have the most expensive runners.

Can I claim private health rebates?

You will need to check with your individual Private Health Fund – mention that you are seeing an Exercise Physiologist, Dietician, Nutritionist, Massage Therapist, Personal Training or Weight Management program.

Who should see an Exercise Physiologist?

Exercise Physiology is suitable for everyone, any age or level of fitness. We specially trained to treat people with injuries and chronic medical conditions.

What conditions can an Exercise Physiologist help with?

An Exercise Physiologist can help anyone with a Metabolic, Cardiovascular, Respiratory or Musculoskeletal condition. Exercise can help many people in better managing their medical condition and/or injury. Exercise can also help prevent the development of many lifestyle related diseases.

What’s the difference between a Personal Trainer and Exercise Physiologist?

An Exercise Physiologist has completed a minimum of a 4 year degree and has been specially trained in developing and prescribing exercise programs for special populations. They have also been clinically trained in managing people with chronic medical conditions and injuries. A Personal Trainer often has completed a TAFE course in which they are trained to 'train' people with no serious medical conditions or injuries, commonly referred to as 'Normal Population'. Personal Trainers are often foud working in Fitness Centres.

What are the benefits of seeing an Exercise Physiologist versus a Personal Trainer?

Watch this space - answer coming soon!

What is the difference between a Nutritionist and Dietitian?

Watch this space - answer coming soon!

How can I access your services? Do I need a referral or can I be seen privately?

You can access any of our services at any time and no you do not need a referral. However if you have a serious medical condition and/or injury, it is advisable that you seek medical advice before accessing our services.

What happens once I use all my Medicare (EPC) sessions up? Do I have to wait until I get another referral?

No, you do not have to wait for another referral. You can continue to see our Dietitian and/or Exercise Physiologist privately. If you have Private Health Insurance you may be eligible to claim a further rebate. If you can not afford our private consultations, you also have the option of participating in many of our group based programs, which cost considerably less.

Do you have a question you would like to ask us? If so, please contact us via our email info@merendi.com.au and we will respond to you personally and if you permit post your question on this page.